Landscape heterogeneity provides co-benefits to predator and prey

Predator populations are imperiled globally, due in part to changing habitat and trophic interactions. Theoretical and laboratory studies suggest that heterogeneous landscapes containing prey refuges acting as source habitats can benefit both predator and prey populations, although the importance of heterogeneity in natural systems is uncertain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that landscape heterogeneity mediates predator-prey interactions between the California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) – a mature forest species – and one of its principal prey, the dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes) – a younger forest species – to the benefit of both. We did so by combining estimates of woodrat density and survival from live-trapping and VHF tracking with direct observations of prey deliveries to dependent young by owls in both heterogeneous and homogeneous home ranges. Woodrat abundance was approximately 2.5x higher in owl home ranges (1,412 hectares) featuring greater heterog..., These datasets were collected in the central Sierra Nevada, California - from captures, VHF collaring, and video camera deployment. They have been processed in R and ArcGIS., Microsoft Excel and R are needed to open these data files. For R, there are a number of packages utilized in the analysis, but these are all publicly available and noted within the R code itself.Â